Guermali Brings Home the Hardware

Fighting through 150 runners to secure the top spot on the podium is strenuous. Senior Yacine Guermali is one of the top student-athletes for Camas High School and recently won the 4A Boys’ Cross Country state title.

Courtesy Camas-Washougal Post-Record.

The road to victory was not effortless for the successful cross country and track runner. Practice lasts about two hours every day, totaling 12 to 14 hours every week. Nonetheless, Guermali affirms, “It felt great to receive so much support from Camas High School. I would not have won if it were not for the whole boys cross country team. They inspired me all season.”

Guermali started to run competitively his freshman year of high school. Since then he has strived to decrease his 5K time every practice, every race. The senior expresses, “My coaches, siblings, parents and teammates have helped me improve greatly.” Though he did not receive a personal record at the state meet, he had an impressive time of 15 minutes 2.8 seconds.

The prosperous runner will not stop at this achievement. Guermali is training hard for track season in March. He is planning to run in college but is still finalizing his decision and should know next year.

The boys’ cross country team recognizes his hard work during every practice and every meet. Junior Thomas Mooney is a runner on the junior varsity cross country team and reveals, “Even when Yacine does not reach his goal, he works harder and doesn’t give up.”

Guermali is a leader in cheering on all of his teammates, creating inside jokes, and bringing the cross country program to tears in laughter. Sophomore Rachel Blair states, “Yacine makes everyone laugh. I don’t know one person that doesn’t like him.”

Guermali’s positive attitude and hard work brought home the hardware for the Washington 4A Boys Cross Country Meet, and this could not have been a better ending to the cross country season.

Katie Blair is a junior at Camas High School and a first-year member of The Camasonian. She enjoys fashion, taking pictures, singing, and hanging out with friends. Katie is involved in Camas Youth Advisory, International Human Rights Club, National Honor Society, and Select Vocal Ensemble. She is passionate about helping her peers and volunteering. Most importantly, Katie loves to smile.